I hope this summer has treated you well so far, but I am struggling to figure out where the time has gone. From days of blistering heat to wild storms and some beautiful summer days in between, July has pretty much had it all.
I’ve been busy at City Hall, putting in requests for the 2027 Capital Budget Ward 8 projects. All Council members submit these and the planning department evaluates them( with some lobbying on my end) to become action items for 2027. I’ve asked for additional funding for more permanent asphalt speed tables to slow traffic in our neighborhoods, additional funding for Karona Park to help close out their improvements, a much needed Teen Center/ Programming through Parks and Recreation and more.
Legislatively, we’re looking at regulating Data Centers and the negative impact they have on the environment and our utility bills, and we’ve recently increased funding for Minorty Behavioral Health’s “Street Team” that has been successful in reducing violent crime in East Akron . I hope to have Marcel McDaniel from MBH at a future Ward Meeting to detail the good work they do.
Don’t forget our July Ward Meeting, Wednesday 7/15 at Northwest Family Recreation Center at 6-7:30pm. Ward 8 resident David Loar will tell us about his experience as Unify Akron delegate on the Civic Assembly on Housing. As always, APD Officer Aaron Brown will update us on crime and safety issues in the Ward and city, and I’ll be on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Hope to see you Wednesday!
Lastly, take a look at the packed events page, there’s so much to do over just the next few weeks in Akron, including my favorite event of the summer; the Art Expo at Hardesty Park on July 25-26. I hope you can get to any or all of the vents, as there’s truly something for everyone me most are free!